The tennis world buzzes with excitement as Italy’s own Jannik Sinner returns from a three-month hiatus to face his fierce rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in the Italian Open final. Fans are on edge, eager to see if Sinner can finally overcome Alcaraz, who has dominated their last three thrilling encounters at the Indian Wells Open, French Open, and China Open last season. Beyond the prestige of this intense rivalry and valuable ranking points, the stakes are high: the Italian holds the No. 1 spot, with Alcaraz close behind at No. 2. But there’s more that awaits the victor of this electrifying showdown.

In the heart of Rome, the Foro Italico with its two legendary courts that hosts over 10,500 fans awaits the ultimate showdown! Homegrown hero Sinner chases his first title since the Australian Open, while aiming to keep his 26-match winning streak alive since the Shanghai Masters last October. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is fresh from a break after withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to a right leg hamstring injury sustained in the Barcelona Open final. So, how much will the victor walk away with?

The ATP Tour’s biggest stars gathered at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. The 2025 Masters 1000 event boasts a prize pot of €8,055,385 (about $9.1 million USD). The singles champion will earn €985,030 (roughly $1.11 million), while the winning doubles team splits €400,560 (around $452,000 USD).

Last year, men’s champ Alexander Zverev took home €963,225 (about $1.05 million), slightly less than Daniil Medvedev’s €1,105,265 (around $1.2 million) in 2023 after beating Holger Rune. On the women’s side, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini just finished the Rome final with a €456,735 payday. Despite a 2023 promise for equal prize money from 2025, the tournament website confirmed that the gap has narrowed.

Heading into the final, Alcaraz faces questions about his consistency despite two titles this season at Rotterdam and Monte Carlo. However, while he came close to a third title, an injury to his adductor during the match stood in his way, later forcing him to withdraw from Madrid. Sinner entered after a three-month doping suspension. Both have faced challenges, making this final a fierce rivalry showdown. The Spaniard even admitted missing Sinner’s presence on tour!

Carlos Alcaraz on how much he needs Jannik Sinner on tour to push him ahead of the Italian Open

Before his first match, Carlos Alcaraz expressed how thrilled he is to have Jannik Sinner back on the Tour. In a recent chat with the Tennis Channel, he said, “It [Sinner’s comeback to the tour] is great, honestly. I have seen him around, for me, it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I need him on the tour because, I mean, he pushes me to be a better player and give 100% every day, to be better.“ Clearly, Alcaraz welcomes the challenge and the rivalry.

He currently holds a 6-4 lead over Sinner in their head-to-head record, having beaten the Italian No.1 in all three of their matches last season- at the China Open final, Roland Garros semis, and Indian Wells semis. He added, “Of course, I am a fan of tennis, and I think that tennis needs him to bring in new fans. His tennis is huge, it’s insane, I love watching him play. So, having the chance to see him and watch his tennis again is great, so I’m just really, really happy, but it’s a different feeling. That’s great for me, for tennis, and for the fans in Rome.”

Sinner started his Rome campaign on a high note despite being off the court for three months, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. He didn’t drop a set until the semifinal clash against America’s Tommy Paul. After losing the first set 1-6, he said, “That was a straight punch to my face.” Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam champion the Spanird fought past Lorenzo Musetti in just over two hours, winning 6-3, 7-6(4).

Both players are dominating in their own right. Now, with the crowd roaring at the Italian Open, who will claim the crown? Will Jannik Sinner start to close that head to head gap, or will Carlos Alcaraz widen it even more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!